have a screw loose

(redirected from have a few screws loose)

have a screw loose

To be or seem particularly silly, eccentric, crazy, or mentally unstable. (Also worded as "have a loose screw.") That guy on the corner must have a screw loose or something, because he's been standing out there yelling obscenities at passersby all morning.My old uncle Pete has a few screws loose, but he's a really nice guy.What's the matter with you? Do you have a screw loose, or what?

have a screw loose

Be mentally unstable or eccentric, as in Anyone who approves that purchase must have a screw loose. This term likens a mental weakness to a machine in which a part is not securely fastened. An antonym is have one's head screwed on right; for example, She's very capable; she has her head screwed on right. [Slang; early 1800s]

have a screw loose

INFORMAL

If someone has a screw loose, they are crazy. He must have a screw loose, spending that sort of money on a holiday!She looked at me as if I had a screw loose. Note: The image is of a piece of machinery that needs to be adjusted or repaired.

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